Visit to Monte Azul

Monte Azul Hotel Inspection March 5th - 7th, 2011

After hearing the many rave reviews from our clients and people in the travel industry here in Costa Rica, I was very excited to have the opportunity to Monte Azul personally. I wanted to see if all the buzz was true first hand, I even had clients say that they began to cry when it was their time to leave.

Monte Azulis a boutique hotel and center for art and design and just appeared in the magazine CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER in their “Hot List” for 2010. Like no other property in the country, this small hotel began as a colony for artists and hosts some of Costa Rica’s premier artists works as well as workshops and classes for guests. Art is present everywhere throughout the property and the riverside bungalows and Casa Palo Alto showcase original artwork from local and international artists.

The spectacular natural surroundings!

The journey to Hotel Monte Azul is part of the adventure and an experience in itself. This boutique hotel is approximately two and a half hours drive from San José east through Cartago and up the Cerro de la Muerte and the Talamanca Mountain Range. This area is off the beaten tourist track and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another time, another Costa Rica, a place that has yet to be affected by mass tourism or the stresses of the modern world. The road takes you through some of the highest mountains in the country and passes through parts that are above the tree line. The natural scenery is absolutely spectacular! Head into San Isidro and from there to the small town of Rivas, near the Chirripo National Park. The mountains and views or the river will mesmerize you at every turn - this is truly a part of Costa Rica that few people get to see! After spending a few nights here, many guests decide to head to the Southern Pacific coast and the beach area’s of Dominical. Some popular Costa Rica vacation packages combine a stay at Monte Azul with a visit to Oxygen Jungle villas on the coast.

Truly a dream!

After stopping on the last bridge over the Chirripo river to take it all in, we finally arrive at the purple colored gate of Monte Azul. We rang the buzzer and we’re quickly met by our friendly hosts who offered us a cold drink and snack before we checked in. The restaurant and the reception area were spectacular, but we were up for a big surprise when we walked into Casa Palo Alto which was to be our home for the weekend. I honestly must say that this is the nicest place I’ve ever stayed in, a dream home in the mountains away from all the noise and stress of every day life. The attention to detail, the decoration, everything was a work of art! The fabulous paintings and artwork, the furniture, the vistas truly made Casa Palo Alto beyond compare. With three bedrooms this would be the perfect vacation rental for families or couples looking for a serene mountain setting in a peaceful natural environment. Monte Azul also features 4 riverside bungalows that are tastefully decorated and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Fabulous Food and Activities!

Like everything at Monte Azul, dining here was spectacular and the meals served were unique and truly a work of art. The restaurant looked beautiful lit up at night and details such as the glass on the bar and the lighting made dining here an experience that one would soon not forget. The service was excellent and to our surprise the owners made a round to all the tables, personally greeting their guests and making everyone feel right at home. The next day we took a look at the art workshop and learned about some of the print making and workshops offered here. An extensive trail system gives nature lovers an opportunity to explore the surroundings and the beautiful river that borders this property. When we finally had to leave on Monday I understood why everyone is talking about this place. Here you’ll find the perfect combination of service, comfort all in a spectacular natural setting far removed from the crowds. Hotel Monte Azul - an unforgettable experience!